many of them praying for benedict who will enter a secludeed monies tear. >> i thank god. and that we have to pray for that. i think that their prayers will be granted and that's why he's stepping down. >> reporter: the 85-year-old pope gave his final blessing this morning at the vatican and he assured the crowd that he is not abandoning the church. moving forward where he does have the physical and mental strength to continue to lead. one parishioner obviously says that she understands and believes that's the right decision for the pope for the outgoing pope. and there is also talk about his successor as well this morning. a number of candidates including some from africa, one from canada and one from the u.s. and so the process moving forward is that 120 cardinals will begin to meet in secret in a conclave where they will begin to do that soon. no date has been set so far for that conclave to begin, but they are hoping to have the pope's next successor as i should say chosen before easter. we are live this morning in san francisco, alex savage, ktvu news. >>> a fire in s